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MPs vote for 1% benefits cap

MPs have voted in favour of a proposed 1 per cent cap on raising benefits by a majority of 56. Ministers say the cap is needed because it is unfair that state handouts have been rising twice as fast as wages during recent years of austerity.

Lib Dem tensions rise ahead of benefit vote

A second Liberal Democrat MP, John Leech, said he would join former children's minister Sarah Teather in defying the party whip and vote against the change.He said:

I voted against the Welfare Reform Bill, and I find it objectionable that the Tories are using 'Skivers v Strivers' rhetoric to justify a cut to seven million working families.I strongly support raising the tax threshold for low-paid workers, but this cut will wipe out much of that good work.